Best Colleges for Single Parents and Students with Children for 2026

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can I expect from the best colleges for single parents?

You should expect an integrated ecosystem of support designed to handle the real-life challenges you face as a parent. These aren’t schools with just one resource, but entire programs built to help you succeed.

Think of it as a network that includes on-campus childcare, dedicated family housing options, and specialized financial aid advisors who are knowledgeable in helping students with children. Data show that over half of student parents face emergencies that disrupt their education, and 25% struggle with accessing childcare. The best colleges for students with children understand this reality.

Most importantly, they offer a built-in community. You’ll find peer support groups and dedicated staff members whose entire job is to help you navigate your path to graduation, ensuring you never have to do it alone.

Where can I work with a degree from the best colleges for single parents?

A degree opens doors to stable, professional careers in sectors known for their family-friendly potential. You can find meaningful opportunities in high-demand fields like healthcare, business, education, and social services.

Consider your degree as the entry ticket to these industries, which often offer better benefits and more predictable work schedules. It’s also important to remember you aren’t locking yourself into one specific job forever. A degree provides career agility, enabling you to adapt and grow as the job market evolves.

With the rise of remote and flexible work, graduating from one of the best colleges for single parents prepares you for a long-term career that can evolve with your life.

How much can I make with a degree from the best colleges for single parents?

While the median annual salary for single mothers is around $40,000, a college degree is your most powerful tool to access career paths with significantly higher earning potential.

The real value goes beyond that starting number. A degree helps you counteract the systemic "motherhood wage penalty," where mothers often earn less than their male counterparts. It allows you to enter professional fields with more equitable pay structures and clear paths for advancement.

The goal is to build a foundation that moves you well beyond that median figure, creating a lifetime of greater economic security for your family.

Popular College Degrees Worth Considering in 2026

1. Business Administration

This versatile degree opens doors in nearly every industry. It teaches you management, budgeting, and strategic planning—skills you use every day. Many top programs are available online, offering the flexibility you need to balance coursework with family life.

2. Psychology

A psychology degree is about understanding people, a critical skill in fields such as human resources, marketing, and nonprofit management. It’s an excellent choice if you’re interested in a “helping” profession that offers a wide variety of career paths beyond traditional therapy.

3. Counseling

If you are passionate about helping others navigate life’s challenges directly, a counseling degree offers a clear and rewarding path. Your life experience as a parent provides a unique foundation of empathy and resilience that is invaluable in this field.

4. Nursing

Nursing is one of the most in-demand fields, offering incredible job security and opportunities for growth. While the training is rigorous and clinical hours can be demanding, it leads to a stable, respected, and well-compensated career.

5. Social Work

This degree prepares you for a career in advocacy, enabling you to help individuals and families access the resources they need to thrive. As a parent, you’ve likely navigated complex systems already, making you a natural fit for this essential work.

List of the Best Colleges for Single Parents and Students with Children for 2026

1. Texas Woman’s University

Texas Woman’s University provides a robust support network through its CARE Office, connecting student parents with financial aid, food assistance, and local childcare resources. The university also fosters a strong sense of community through dedicated student organizations and family-friendly events, ensuring that parents feel supported and valued.

• Support System: SUCCESS CCAMPIS Program; The Clubhouse on-campus enrichment program; SNAP and WIC consultations; and the S.P.A.R.K. student-parent organization.
• Cost per Credit: $238 (in-state); $323 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Northeastern University Oakland

Northeastern University Oakland offers an intimate campus setting with dedicated resources, including on-campus childcare options from preschool through K-5, as well as a community parenting lounge. The university is committed to meeting the basic needs of its students, with a food pantry available to all.

• Support System: Three on-campus schools, including a cooperative preschool and K-5 laboratory school; a dedicated Parenting Lounge with a breastfeeding nook; and a campus food pantry.
• Cost per Credit: $2,125
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

3. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities supports its student parents through the comprehensive Student Parent HELP Center (SPHC), which offers childcare grants, scholarships, and emergency financial assistance. The center also provides a dedicated lounge and hosts the Parents as Students Support (PASS) group.

• Support System: Student Parent HELP Center; Post-Secondary Child Care Assistance Grant (PSCCG); University Child Care Assistance Grant (UCCAG); and emergency funding.
• Cost per Credit: $620.50 (in-state); $1,500.70 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Champlain College

Champlain College offers a long-standing Single Parents Program, providing students with a dedicated case manager, peer-to-peer advising, and a strong social support network. The program also provides a specific Single Parents Scholarship designed to ease tuition expenses for eligible Vermont residents.

• Support System: Dedicated Single Parents Program with a case manager; Single Parents Scholarship; monthly lunch socials; and a Save-the-Day Emergency Fund.
• Cost per Credit: $335 (online undergraduate)
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

5. Misericordia University

Misericordia University’s Women with Children Program is one of only eight in the country, providing free, year-round on-campus housing for single mothers and their children. The program offers extensive support, including financial aid, academic tutoring, and career services, to empower mothers.

• Support System: Free on-campus housing; priority placement for work-study; assistance with childcare subsidies; and in-house food pantries.
• Cost per Credit: $715
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

6. Endicott College

Endicott College supports its parent scholars through Single Parent Services, which focuses on education, coaching, and professional development to help parents move from a job to a career. The college partners with external organizations to offer additional resources, such as free babysitting services.

• Support System: Single Parent Services grants for tuition and textbooks; free academic coaching; career coaching; and partnerships with the Jeremiah Program and Sitters for Scholars.
• Cost per Credit: $1,303
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

7. University of Washington-Seattle

The University of Washington-Seattle offers a Childcare Assistance Program that provides quarterly funding to help student parents cover the costs of licensed childcare. The program is funded by student fees and is designed to assist those with demonstrated financial need.

• Support System: Childcare Assistance Program providing quarterly grants based on the child’s age and enrollment status.
• Cost per Quarter Credit: $949 (in-state); $2,939 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

8. St. Catherine University

St. Catherine University’s Access and Success program connects student parents with critical resources, including the state-sponsored Post-Secondary Child Care Grant and on-campus child-friendly study spaces. The university also provides private lactation rooms and connects students with local and national support networks.

• Support System: Access and Success program; Post-Secondary Child Care Grant; on-campus study spaces with adjacent playrooms; and lactation rooms.
• Total Tuition (Banded Rate): $52,320 (College for Women, 2025-2026)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

9. Wilson College

Wilson College’s Single Parent Scholar Program provides family-friendly, on-campus housing and subsidized childcare for single parents pursuing a bachelor’s degree full-time. The program ensures parents are fully integrated into campus life, with access to all clubs, organizations, and enrichment activities.

• Support System: Single Parent Scholar Program with year-round on-campus housing, subsidized childcare, and a dedicated residence hall floor with shared kitchens and playrooms.
• Cost per Credit: $865
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

10. College of Saint Mary

College of Saint Mary offers a Director of Single Parent Success to help students navigate resources, find childcare, and connect with state benefits. The college features an on-campus child development center and a unique one-credit course called “The Successful Single Mother.”

• Support System: Director of Single Parent Success; Mothers Living & Learning residential program; on-campus Spellman Child Development Center; and a Student Mother Advisory Board.
• Cost per Credit: $825
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

How long does it take to complete a degree from the best colleges for students with children?

While a traditional bachelor's degree is designed to take four years, you have flexible options to control your timeline. The best colleges for students with children understand that a rigid schedule doesn't work for a parent, so you can choose a pace that fits your life.

You can enroll full-time, take a part-time course load that might extend your path to six years, or even find accelerated programs. The timeline is a strategic choice you make based on your finances, childcare situation, and personal capacity.

Finding a Timeline That Fits Your Life

The most important thing is finding a sustainable pace that prevents burnout. Many student parents need to work, making it a significant challenge to balance a full course load and their work commitments. Some schools also offer credit for prior learning, allowing you to use your work and life experience to test out of specific courses, which saves both time and money. For example, some institutions even offer accelerated options like 4 week online college courses that allow for intense focus on a single subject at a time.

Remember, the goal is completion, not speed. Research indicates that a majority of student parents need to work while attending school, making a flexible timeline a smart and strategic decision. In fact, 60% of student parents work full-time while pursuing their education.

What is the average cost of the best colleges for single parents?

Based on our review of colleges that specialize in supporting student parents, the average undergraduate cost is approximately $1,082 per credit. However, it's crucial to understand that this number is just a starting point. Your actual cost will be the "net price"—what you owe after all grants and scholarships are applied.

At the best colleges for single parents, this net price can be significantly lower than the sticker price. Your status as a parent can unlock institutional aid that isn't available to other students, such as free family housing or childcare grants.

The Cost-Benefit of Flexibility

The type of school you choose—public or private, in-state or out-of-state—will affect your starting costs. However, many institutions are moving toward greater tuition transparency and offering more grants instead of loans for high-need students. It's also worth exploring different learning models, as some top-ranked online colleges with weekly start dates can offer more cost-effective or logistically simple pathways.

When considering the cost, you must weigh it against the potential return. The median annual salary for a single mother is around $40,000. A degree puts you on a path to significantly out-earn that figure, providing the financial stability your family needs. This is the most important number to consider.

What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in the best colleges for single parents?

You have a portfolio of aid options that you can "stack" together to cover your costs. The key is to assemble a package from three primary sources: federal grants, state grants, and institutional scholarships offered directly by the college.

The most common mistake is assuming you won't qualify and not applying. The first step is always filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form calculates your Student Aid Index (SAI) and determines your eligibility for programs like the Pell Grant. The best colleges for single parents typically have financial aid officers who can assist you in completing this package.

Federal Support: The CCAMPIS Grant

One of the most essential resources to be aware of is the federal CCAMPIS grant, which stands for Child Care Access Means Parents in School. This program provides funding to colleges to help low-income student parents pay for campus-based childcare. It's a game-changer, but please note that the funds can often only be used at nationally accredited centers, so it's essential to inquire about the specific options available at your chosen school.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in the best colleges for students with children?

Most programs require a high school diploma or a GED, but the best colleges for students with children consider your application holistically. They value your life experience, maturity, and motivation just as much as your past academic record.

Many schools are now test-optional, meaning you don't need to worry about old SAT or ACT scores. They understand that, as a non-traditional student, your journey is unique, and they view your status as a parent as a testament to your strength.

Leveraging Prior Experience for Admission

Your application essay is the ideal opportunity to articulate your experience as both a parent and an employee. Talk about your time management, budgeting, and problem-solving skills. These are clear indicators of your ability to succeed in college. Suppose you have credits from previous college attempts. In that case, a flexible program like a general studies degree online can be a great way to combine them into a clear path to graduation.

It's easy to feel like you'll be the only one in your situation, but that's not the case. Single mothers make up 10% of all undergraduates in the U.S. You are part of a large, resilient group of students, and supportive colleges are actively looking for applicants just like you.

What courses are typically in the best colleges for single parents?

Your degree program is built from three distinct types of courses, each with a specific purpose. Understanding this structure helps you see how every class contributes to your career goals.

• General Education: These foundational courses build the transferable skills in writing, critical thinking, and communication that employers value most.
• Major Courses: This is the heart of your degree, providing the deep, specialized knowledge required for your chosen professional field. For example, a legal program would include learning what do you learn in business law.
• Electives: These are courses you choose, giving you the flexibility to explore other interests or build a minor that makes you more competitive in the job market.

This mix of broad skills and deep expertise is what makes a degree so powerful. It prepares you not just for your first job, but for long-term career growth and adaptability.

What types of specializations are available in the best colleges for single parents?

A specialization is a focused track of courses within your major that enables you to develop in-depth expertise in a specific area of study. This is how you customize your degree to align with your career goals, making your diploma more powerful in the job market. For instance, focusing on public health could lead to a career with a strong epidemiologist job outlook.

The best colleges for single parents often have dedicated advisors to help you explore these options, ensuring your education is directly aligned with your future.

Customizing Your Degree for the Market

The best strategy is to choose a specialization that sits at the intersection of your passion and market demand. A general business degree is valuable, but specializing in an in-demand field, such as digital marketing or data analytics, can provide a significant competitive advantage.

Similarly, a general health sciences degree is a great foundation, but a specialization can open up concrete career paths. For example, a focus on public health could lead you to explore different nutrition jobs in community wellness programs or corporate health initiatives.

How to choose the best colleges for single parents?

The best choice is a personal balance of three key factors: Affordability, Logistics, and Fit. This "Decision Triangle" framework helps you look past the marketing and find a school that genuinely works for you and your family.

When you talk to admissions counselors at the best colleges for single parents, use this checklist of parent-specific questions to get the real answers you need.

• Verify the Affordability. Ask them, "Beyond the FAFSA, what specific grants or scholarships do you offer for single parents?"
• Confirm the Logistics. Ask, "Do you have on-campus family housing and childcare, and what is the current waitlist for those resources?"
• Assess the Academic Fit. Ask, "What are the most popular majors for non-traditional students, and are online or hybrid options available for this program?"
• Evaluate the Community Fit. Ask them, "Can you connect me with a current student parent in the program so I can hear about their experience?"

Getting clear answers to these questions will give you the confidence to make the right choice for your future.

What career paths are available for graduates of the best colleges for single parents?

A degree unlocks a wide range of career paths, not just a single job. It’s essential to understand the distinction: a job is a role you fill, whereas a career is a long-term trajectory with opportunities for growth, advancement, and change. Pursuing a masters in healthcare is one common example of how professionals continue their education to access those growth opportunities.

The goal of graduating from a supportive college is to enter a professional field where you can build that long-term career, providing lasting stability for your family.

High-Demand Fields for Parent Graduates

The flexibility of a degree is one of its greatest assets. For example, a student with a psychology degree isn’t limited to becoming a therapist. That same degree is a strong foundation for a career in human resources, market research, or nonprofit management.

This is true across many fields of study. Some of the most popular health science majors can lead to numerous roles in clinical care, administration, research, and public health. A degree provides options, enabling you to adapt and pivot as your interests and the job market evolve. For many, this is a direct path away from economic uncertainty, as 85% of single-mother-led households currently rely on government food assistance.

What is the job market for graduates of the best colleges for single parents?

The job market for college graduates is consistently stronger than for those without a degree, offering lower unemployment rates and higher wages. Even when economic headlines sound uncertain, the data show that a degree provides a powerful buffer against instability. The adaptability you gain is essential for fields like mental health, where understanding the types of therapists for mental health is key to navigating the profession.

The most valuable asset you gain is the proven ability to learn and adapt, which is what employers in high-demand fields are looking for. Graduating from one of the best colleges for students with children positions you for this durable success.

Securing Your Financial Future

A degree is not just about getting your first job; it's about setting a foundation for long-term financial security and upward mobility. This means entering a career with access to benefits, retirement plans, and opportunities for promotion.

While grant aid is a critical tool to get you started, the ultimate goal is to achieve true financial independence. A degree from one of the best colleges for students with children is the most reliable path to a career where your own earnings provide the security you need. As the data on aid illustrates, your degree is a key factor in achieving your own financial stability.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say About Their College for Single Parents

How can I balance academics and family responsibilities effectively?

Effective balancing requires structured time management, clear goal-setting, and leveraging available support systems. Begin by mapping out fixed commitments and identifying study blocks that coincide with childcare schedules. Digital calendars and productivity tools can provide structure without overwhelming your day. Engage with dedicated academic advisors and peer groups to share practical strategies and roadblocks specific to single parent students. Additionally, consider the flexibility that programs like the best online degree offer, allowing you to synchronize coursework with unpredictable family routines. Regularly reassessing commitments and setting realistic milestones can further streamline your academic journey while maintaining family well-being.

Other Things You Should Know About the Best Colleges for Single Parents